NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17 — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, articulated a firm stance during a special parliamentary session on Friday, expressing support for women’s reservation while simultaneously critiquing the central government’s legislative strategy. Hayer argued that the timing of the proposal suggests political motives rather than a genuine commitment to gender equity.
Speaking during a late-night debate, Hayer stated that the Aam Aadmi Party fully backs the principle of reserving seats for women in legislative bodies. However, he maintained that the current approach by the Union Government appears to be a political exercise. He noted that if the administration had been sincere, the bill passed in 2023 would have already been operationalized. He affirmed that pushing the legislation now, despite the census not yet being underway, creates an inconsistency in the government’s narrative.
The MP expressed significant concern regarding the potential repercussions of the Delimitation Bill on India’s federal structure. Hayer declared that the bill could have a detrimental impact on the political representation of states like Punjab. He stated that linking representation strictly to population growth could unfairly penalize states that successfully implemented national population control policies, thereby deepening regional inequalities.
Hayer further noted that Punjab continues to face historical and financial challenges, asserting that central funds are being withheld and the state’s influence over the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is being reduced. He maintained that India should look toward international models, such as those in the United States, where state rights are protected regardless of population size.
Concluding his address, Hayer raised the issue of the Punjabi diaspora. He declared that it is time for the government to consider granting dual citizenship to Non-Resident Punjabis, affirming that their immense contributions to the nation’s economy and development deserve formal recognition and a strengthened legal connection to their home country.
